Manchester United’s recruitment team could soon have an opportunity to revisit a striker target they have monitored for several months.

The club’s search for attacking reinforcements has become more relevant following Benjamin Sesko’s ongoing injury problems, which have left Michael Carrick without a recognised No. 9.

United invested in Sesko during last summer, but his absence this season and at the end of last season has exposed the importance of having a reliable alternative capable of leading the line.

Bryan Mbeumo and Mateus Cunha has been asked to shoulder more responsibility in a central attacking role, despite being more accustomed to operating in wider positions.

Meanwhile, the January transfer window could provide United with an opportunity to strengthen without having to compete with the same number of clubs as they would during the summer.

One potential target also faces an uncertain future at his current club, creating a situation that could suit United’s immediate needs.

Jean-Philippe Mateta wants Manchester United move

Jean-Philippe Mateta would welcome a January move to Manchester United, with Crystal Palace potentially willing to sell the striker rather than risk losing him without a transfer fee.

According to talkSPORT, sources have indicated that the 29-year-old would be keen on a move to Old Trafford.

Palace are facing an increasingly difficult decision over his future, with his contract currently scheduled to expire in June 2027 and no indication that he intends to sign a new deal.

United’s interest is not new.

United had maintained a long-standing interest in the French international, although signing another striker was not considered an immediate priority at the time.

Palace had previously rejected offers worth up to £50 million from Champions League clubs, demonstrating how highly they valued his contribution.

Mateta’s future became even more uncertain during 2026.

He wanted to leave Selhurst Park and came close to joining AC Milan in January, only for the transfer to collapse after a medical.

He subsequently attracted interest from other Premier League and European clubs, including Aston Villa and Juventus.

There is also a contractual complication.

Jean-Philippe Mateta has challenged the validity of the final portion of his Palace contract through FIFA, although the club maintains that his deal runs until the end of the current season.

His situation could make January Palace’s last realistic opportunity to secure a transfer fee, depending on how the dispute develops.

His recent performances have been affected by injury.

Mateta has managed only 92 minutes of Premier League football this season, with a hamstring problem restricting his involvement.

That limited sample makes it difficult to assess his current form, but his record over previous seasons remains encouraging.

He scored 12 Premier League goals during the 2025/26 season after recording 14 in 2024/25 and 16 in 2023/24.